Health

Placentas of pregnant women with preeclampsia have more extensive cell death than placentas of healthy pregnant women. This could be one cause of preeclampsia or a result of abnormal oxygenation in the placenta.

Placental apoptosis in normal human pregnancy

Article Abstract:

The process of regulated cell death, or apoptosis, appears to be a natural part of the placenta's life cycle. Apoptosis differs from accidental cell death in that apoptosis is planned, forms a unique cell pattern, and causes no inflammation. Placenta samples from 28 uncomplicated pregnancies terminated in the first trimester and 39 full-term uncomplicated pregnancies were examined microscopically for evidence of apoptosis. There was evidence of apoptosis among 0.07% of the first trimester cells and 0.14% of the full-term cells. This indicates that apoptosis increases as the pregnancy progresses.

Increased placental apoptosis in intrauterine growth restriction

Article Abstract:

Apoptosis of placental cells may be increased in pregnancies complicated by fetal growth restriction. Apoptosis is a type of genetically programmed cell death. Researchers analyzed placental samples from 26 pregnancies with inadequate fetal growth and 43 normal pregnancies. Significantly more apoptotic cells were detected in the growth-restricted placentas than the normal placentas. It is not yet clear whether this programmed cell death is responsible for growth restriction or a symptom of it. Further research is indicated.